Sermons

Pastor Dell continued our series, Grieving With God, by looking at how God begins the process of cleansing us in our grieving process. Grief can reduce our lives to ashes, affecting us physically through tears and spiritually by stripping away joy. Lamentations 4 portrays Jerusalem's devastation as precious things becoming worthless, mirroring our experience of loss. In our brokenness, God works as a potter with clay, creating something beautiful if we remain pliable rather than hardened. When grief leads to collapse, we still control our response - choosing surrender over destructive emotions. Through this painful cleansing process, God refines us, bringing hidden things to the surface and ultimately working to transform our suffering into beauty.

Pastor Dell continued our series "Grieving With God" by looking at the consequences of our sin. When facing the consequences of our sins, God invites us to grieve with Him rather than alone. True healing begins with honest confession, acknowledging not just our actions but the waywardness of our hearts. While consequences often remain even after forgiveness, they serve as reminders of both sin's seriousness and God's grace. By owning our mistakes, enduring the fallout, and placing our confidence in God's mercy, we can find healing. The goal isn't merely grieving about circumstances but grieving with God over the things that grieve Him, pursuing a heart that desires holiness.

Pastor Dell walked us through Lamentations 3 this morning as we continued our series, "Grieving With God". In times of deep grief and suffering, God's silence can feel overwhelming and isolating. Through Lamentations 3, we learn that even in our darkest moments, hope remains accessible through deliberately remembering God's faithfulness. The journey from despair to hope requires shifting focus from our circumstances to God's unchanging character and promises. By staying committed to prayer, remaining connected to community, and actively looking for signs of hope, we can navigate through seasons of perceived divine silence.

Following the service Dr. Tom Pusateri stuck around to share on the physical effects of grief. To watch his presentation, please click here.

Pastor Dell looked at Lamentations 2:1-22 as we continued our series, "Grieving With God". Life's darkest moments often arrive suddenly, leaving us grappling with grief and uncertainty. Through examining the destruction of Jerusalem, we learn about the danger of building our lives on false securities like material comfort, routines, and traditions rather than on God. True healing begins when we honestly face our grief instead of avoiding it through denial or distraction. By establishing small rhythms of faith like regular prayer, worship, and honest lament, we can find stability and restoration even amid life's ruins.

Pastor Dell shared from Lamentations 1:1-22 as part of our Grieving With God series.  Grief comes in many forms, from personal loss to shattered dreams, and the depth of pain can often leave us speechless. While our culture encourages quick fixes and emotional suppression, true healing requires honestly facing our grief and bringing it before God. The book of Lamentations demonstrates that God welcomes our raw, unfiltered expressions of pain and sorrow. Rather than avoiding grief through busyness or putting on a brave face, we're called to pour out our hearts honestly, trust God's presence even when He feels distant, and allow others to help bear our burdens.

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Pastor Dell started our series, "Grief and the God Who Sees" by sharing some updates and introducing the book of Lamentations. Grief is a natural part of the Christian journey, and God invites us to bring our honest pain and struggles to Him. Through the book of Lamentations, we learn that authentic faith includes expressing our sorrows while maintaining hope in God's presence. Rather than avoiding difficult emotions, we're called to embrace them within the context of community and God's loving care. This deeper engagement with grief can actually strengthen our relationship with God and transform our faith journey.

Pastor Dell shared a special message with us on this Resurrection Sunday. The resurrection of Jesus Christ provides believers with three transformative gifts: a living hope that endures, a secure future, and sustaining joy. This living hope isn't mere wishful thinking, but an assured confidence grounded in the reality of the empty tomb. Through trials and difficulties, faith is refined and proven genuine, revealing whether our trust in God is authentic. The joy found in Christ transcends circumstances, rooted in salvation rather than temporary happiness, enabling believers to face any challenge with confidence.

Pastor Dell shared a message focusing on Silent Saturday for Good Friday. Good Friday and Silent Saturday represent profound moments of darkness and uncertainty in Christian faith. While Good Friday marked Jesus' brutal crucifixion, Silent Saturday was filled with confusion, grief, and seeming divine silence. These events teach valuable lessons about trusting God during dark times. Even when God seems quiet, His presence remains constant, working behind the scenes. This truth offers hope to those experiencing their own periods of waiting and uncertainty, reminding them that resurrection always follows the darkness.

Pastor Santiago shared an important message with us on this Palm Sunday. The triumphal entry into Jerusalem reveals Jesus' true identity as the prophesied King and Messiah. Fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy from 500 years prior, Jesus deliberately chose to ride a donkey's colt, symbolizing His role as the Prince of Peace rather than a military conqueror. The crowds' response, laying down cloaks and palm branches while shouting Hosanna, demonstrated recognition of His royal status. This pivotal moment challenges us to examine our own recognition of Jesus as King and how deeply we submit to His authority in our daily lives.

Pastor Santiago concludes our series on 1 John by walking us through chapters 4 & 5. In a world of competing beliefs, genuine faith requires spiritual discernment to recognize truth from deception. This exploration focuses on three vital aspects: testing spiritual messages against Scripture, demonstrating authentic agape love through sacrificial actions, and embracing the true biblical Jesus. Understanding these elements helps believers stay grounded in truth while navigating various teachings and influences. The key lies in regular Scripture evaluation, showing Christ-like love even in difficult situations, and maintaining a clear understanding of Jesus's divine and human nature.